Article: Social Media Let Loose

The first signs of social madie was in 1997, and it was called Six Degrees.  In 1999 was when the first blogs became popular.  Ever since then they have continued to grow in size and numbers.  Many students at Springville Junior High have agreed that social media can be good for you, yet it can have some terrible consequences.  Since social media is being used across the globe, it can have an effect on people all around the world.

When you walk down the halls of many schools you can find many of the kids looking at their phone and their social media account.  Kobri Faussette, an eighth grader,  when asked what her favorite social media app  was replied saying that Musically was indeed her favorite because it reminds her of youtube.  Since instagram allows you to talk to your friends and see what they are doing in life, it was an easy favorite for Driggs Ellison.  Bella Farr agreed with Ellison saying, “Instagram allows you to connect with people all around the world which is why it is my favorite.”  Collin Gwilliam said that his favorite is, “Instagram because it allows me to interact with friends, post my story, change my profile, and see what others are doing.” Ms. Jensen a younger teacher at Springville Junior said, “I love Snapchat because it has fun filters, and it makes it easy to keep in touch with my friends who live far away.”

“Tumblr is my least favorite because I don’t know how to use it,” replies Kobri Faussette when asked what her least favorite social media app is.  Ellison earnestly responded, “Since Snapchat is not exciting, it is my least favorite social media app.”  Collin Gwilliam said that his least favorite is Facebook because I don’t know how to use it, so it is confusing.  Ms. Jensen explained that she does not particularly like the whole idea of Facebook.  She expounded upon this saying that she had never had one, yet she felt that people around her would get too involved in it.

All students and teachers agreed that it could be good, but it could also be bad.  Many said that it could be bad because you could end up spending too much time on it.  Kobri said that it could be good if you did not have a TV.   She said that if you do not have a TV then Social Media could help you to see what is happening on the news.   Bella said that she believes that “If  you  are struggling then it can help you to connect.”  Ms. Jensen said that social media can be wonderful but it has some downsides as well.  Ms. Jensen goes on to explain that “One thing I don’t like about social media is that it shows someone’s highlight reel and not their day to day life.”  Collin said that social media can be used for good causes, so it can be good if used correctly.

While social media continues to grow many parents believe that their kids are unaware to the harm it can cause.  One of the main problems that parents face is that they fear their kids are getting the negative effects of social media.  While there may be some truth to the thought that social media is not great, you can also say that kids are aware to the danger that it poses.  Are you going to let your doubt cloud your judgement or are you going to let your capable teenagers spend time on social media?